An Isphahan rug, Central Persia

Measurements 146cm wide across the top, 145cm. across the bottom, 224cm long left side, 219cm long right side. Pile generally very good for age, 1-2mm with some oxidisation in the crimson field and in the forest green of the border. Scattered repiling in green ground in border, now visible as lighter teal green. `Hammer' shaped reweave in lower left quadrant (approx. 12 by 20cm at widest points) and a repair (possibly repaired cut) across from top left border into the field, of `crook' shape (approx. 5cm. left section, 20cm. wide, and 3cm. high right section). Outermost edge of guard stripe missing on all four edges, sides rebound, ends wrapped in ivory woven tape. Two small reweaves in edge of the left hand border lower corner, small reweaves along outermost edge of lower border, top left corner with some scattered repiling. Specialist Comment: An evocative classical carpet. EMBARGO ON IMPORTATION OF PERSIAN/IRANIAN WORKS OF ART TO THE USA. Due to recent changes in the U.S. law, carpets and rugs of Iranian/Persian origin can no longer be imported into the U.S. Please check with the sale administrator if you are uncertain as to whether a lot is subject to these or any other restrictions or if you need assistance with such enquiries.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The city of Isphahan, established as the capital by Shah Abbas I in 1598, was the epicentre of the arts which included carpet and textile manufacture, throughout the 17^th and 18^thcentury. The highest quality of Safavid weaving was attained during the reign of Shah Abbas I (r.1587-1629), and is an era referred to as the ‘Golden Age’ of weaving.  

Safavid carpets of this period share distinctive features and they also show a directional design in common. The group can be divided into design formats which include compartment, medallion, garden, vase, multiple-niche prayer, ‘Polonaise’ and spiral vine. Three carpets offered in this sale are examples of the ‘spiral-vine’ group (the present lot, 232 and 235). They have a system of tendrils, arranged symmetrically on each side of the axis, incorporating large palmettes with shaped outlines across a field which is usually burgundy shade of red. The borders are dark green or blue and include vines of a variety of intricacy and exuberance of design. Many of the carpets of the ‘spiral-vine’ group share similarities in design of weavings from the 16^th through to the 18^th century. 

The export of the vine carpets was so profitable by the mid 17^th century, that Central Persian rugs were amongst the most sought-after luxury commodity in Europe. The Persian Isphahan, 16-17^th century carpets, were coveted and prestigious items when produced and held the same status when collected by the wealthy entrepreneurs of the late 19^th/early 20^th century.

For a truly exemplary collection of important Asian and Middle Eastern carpets, which included seventeen iconic 17^th century Isphahan carpets, see Sotheby’s, New York, Important Carpets from the William A. Clark Collection; Corcoran Gallery of Art, 5^th June 2013. For carpets with comparable designs to the present carpet, see lots 4 & 5.  

For an example of an influential 16^th century Isphahan carpet, the design with symmetrical design of delicate scrolling vines, cloud bands and in this example birds, with green ground and ivory border, with similar distinctive entwined scrolling border, (732 by 300cm), from The Metropolitan Museum, New York (Exhibited in Chicago in 1926, and given to the MMA in 1959), see McMullan, Joseph, Islamic Carpets, Near Eastern Art Research Center, New York, 1965, Islamic Carpets from the Joseph V McMullan Collection, Exhibition Catalogue, Hayward Gallery London, 19^th October – 10^th December 1972, Arts Council of Great Britain, No. 14, pg. 37, plate II.

In addition see Sotheby’s, New York, 8^th December 1990, lot 4, Carpet from the J.Paul Getty Museum, for a comparable field design and a more stylised border type, with double leaves flanking palmettes.

For discussion of this group of carpets and other examples see Spühler, Friedrich, Oriental Carpets in the Museum of Islamic Art, Berlin, London & Boston, 1988, Persia, pp.68-87, Spiral-tendril (Vine Scroll) Carpets (Cat nos.79-83), pp.74, 81-82, and especially Cat. No.79, pg.81, fig 79, pg.221, for a Spiral-Tendril carpet, 17^th century (254 by 142cm) (Inv.No.75, 196, transferred to the Kunstgewerbemuseum in 1875). 

For additional Isphahan carpets see lots 232 and 235